VTAM/Switch Features

Portability
Users can enter a BREAK command to logoff one terminal with ACTIVE
SESSIONS and LOGON to VTAM/Switch on another terminal and access
those same ACTIVE SESSIONS.

Terminal and Session TIMEOUT
The TIMEOUT facility provides an additional level of security and
resource utilization by disconnecting unattended terminals after a
specified interval of inactivity. Sessions can be either saved or
terminated after a TIMEOUT.

Message Routing
Messages can be routed to user(s), terminal(s), pre-defined groups, and
the operator console. Messages can also be printed to provide a
hardcopy of the message. Messages can be assigned an expiration date
and time and will be purged when they expire.

Broadcast Facility
News and bulletin board information can be displayed to users when they
logon.

Switching out of Working Sessions
Users can switch out of a long running task to another session while
the first session continues to run. Users can switch back to the
working session at any time to see if it has completed.

SPY Command
Help desk personnel can display what is on another user's screen with
the SPY command. An option is provided to require users to dynamically
grant permission before their screen can be viewed.

STEAL Command
The STEAL command allows help desk personnel to acquire another user's
sessions, make changes, and release the sessions so the user can
reconnect.

Print Screens
A PRINT facility will print VTAM/Switch screens on any printer
defined to VTAM. A customizable separator page is provided.

Scripting (Automated Sign-on Procedure)
Dialogs can be created to automatically sign users on and position them
on user menus within your applications. Scripts may be viewed online,
but are managed offline. IF/GOTO Logic is supported.

Security
Security can be specified at the user, application, physical terminal,
and logical terminal level. VTAM/Switch has its own internal
security as well as interfaces with RACF, TOP SECRET, and ACF2.

PF/PA Keys vs. Character Strings
PF or PA keys can be defined to take users to a specific session.
Special character strings can also be used for session switching. All
PF and PA keys are supported. Each user can set his/her own PF or PA
keys for any VTAM/Switch command, including switching between
sessions. Key settings may be viewed and changed online.

Logging On vs. Transparency
Users can be made to specify user IDs and passwords. Users can be
logged on without having to see any VTAM/Switch screens with the
transparency feature. SWITCH command strings can be automatically
executed at LOGON.

Efficiency
VTAM/Switch users have been amazed by its LOW CPU USAGE and LOW STORAGE
REQUIREMENTS. VTAM/Switch takes advantage of VTAM's Large Message
Performance Enhancement Option reducing overhead of large messages. To
save overhead, logical terminal pools can be created for users allowing
logical terminals to be shared.

HELP Screens
HELP commands and screens are available. HELP information is displayed
only for commands the user is authorized to use. HELP screens are
customizable to allow you to specify your own help information.

VTAM/Switch provides four different Look and Feel Session
Selection Menus to the user, including one with sub menus.Online Administration panels are
available to customize VTAM/Switch.

User Profiles are available to allow the user to
customize their PFKeys, default printer and application order on the
Session Selection menu.